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, l, 22, 2 March 29 1927' F.l L. o. wADswoRTH 6 55 SPRING SUSPENSION FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 16. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet l umm,

INVENTOR 4 7" TOR/VEY r 1,622,552 March 29 1927 F. 1 o. wADswoRTH SPRING SUSPENSION FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 16. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Arron/ Vex Patented Mar. 29, 192.7.

FRANK L. O. WADS'WGR'II, UF FTTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

SPRING SUSPENSIGN FOR VEHCLES.

Application filed February 16, 1920.

My invention relates to forms of shock absorber construction of the Well known leversactuated supplemental spring suspension type similar to those disclosed in the Hassler Patents Nos. 1,180,897, 1,149,756, and 1,293,425. The primary object of the present improvements is to provide a device of this character which will afford a sensitive elastic resistance to closing or compressive movements of the spring supported vehicle parts, and which Will also cliicientlyand positively restrain and check all recoil or expansion movements of the elastic system g-thereby securing an eifective dead beat absorption both of the compressive shocks and of the even more objectionable rebound or tossing vibrations, and convtributing both to `the comfort and the safety of the occupants of the vehicle.

Another object of my improvements is to provide. a. lever-actuated-supplementalspring organization in which the resilient member of the combination operatively flexed or strained in the same directionmto the saine or to different degrees as may be requireduby either the approach or the sepa-ration of the relatively movable niembers of the vehicle; thereby eliminating the deleterious effects of. alternating and reversely applied stresses on the said member, and utilizing, in the most effective .vay, the elastic resistance of the supplemental spring in restraining and damping both the closing and the opening movements of the spring connected parts.

A further object of my improvements is to provide a combination of a primary spring, and a lever actuated. secondary spring so coupled thereto as to impose a reactive strain on the primary resilient member that will stillen the latter, and progressively increase its flectural resistance to excessive kinetic stresses-thereby increasing the capacity of the spring system to carry very heavy loads and to successfully withstand and absorb very severe shocks Without permanent distortion or fracture.

Still another object of these improvements is to provide a lever-actuated-supplemcntalspring construction that is simple in design and easy to manufacture; and is also capable of being readily attached to various types of main spring suspension oiganiZations-of either the side leaf or the cross leaf species- Without any change in the arrangement of the vehicle and the main spring parts; thus Serial No. 358,817.

enabling the owner, or users, of any standard car to utilize the present invention Without incurring any large expense.

Still other objects and advantages of my improvements Will be made apparent by the accompanying illustrations and description of various exemplary embodiments of the invention as applied to diiferent standard forms of main spring systems novv in common use.

ln the drawings-Which are to be regarded as largely diagrammatic in character-Fie. 1 illustrates my invention applied to a side leaf (or cross leaf) spring of the full elliptic form, the parts being shown in the position which they occupy in normal load position; Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the construction showing the parts in the position they assume under an increased compressive stress; Fig. 3 is another view, similar to that of Fig. 2, but showing the relative position of the same parts Wnen the suspension system rebounds or expands beyond the normal load position; Fig. d is a side elevation-partly in section-of a modified form of my invention as applied to a semi-elliptic side leaf main spring suspension; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of my Fig. 4 construction showing the parts thereof under compression; Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment Vof my invention, as it may be utilized in conjunction \vith a semi-elliptic-scroll-spring combination of either the side leaf or cross leaf type; Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the action of this organization (Fig. .6) under both compression and rebound or expansion n'iovements; Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a cross-leaf-semi-elliptic spring suspension system that exemplifies another application of my improvements; Fig. 9 is a partial sectional vieu' on the plane 9 9 of Fig. S; Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail vieWin longitudinal sectionof a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 8 with the parts thereof in the position which they assume under a heavy kinetic stress; Fig. 11 illustrates a modification of the suspension system of Fig. 8; Fig. 12 is an enlarged illustration, similar to that of Fig. 10, but showing the parts of my Fig. l1 construction in the position which they occupy when subjected to rebound or expansion stresses; F ig. 13 is a partial sectional elevation on the plane 1.9)*13 of Fig. l1; Fig. 14 is an elevation of another embodiment of my invention as applied to the rear The cross bolt 1T, in the bracket 12.

cross leaf spring suspension of a Ford type of car; Fig. 15 illustrates still another application of my improvements to a very light and flexible cross leaf sprino' support for light vehicles; Fig. 16 is an enlarged detail View of a portion of the construction shown in Fig. 15; and Fig. 17 is a. detail view of the adjustable pivot support that is specifically illustrated in Fig. 13 but which may be used in any ot' the forms of construction shown in Figs. 1 to 14 inclusive.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the lower element of the full elliptic spring 2 is secured to the axle member 1 of the vehicle and the upper element of this spring is bolted to the body member 3 thereof, in the usual manner; and the ends of the semi-elliptic elements 2 2, are connected to each other-at either one or both extremities-through the instrumentality of my invention. In the organization, new under consideration, this comprises, a volute supplemental spring -lf supported at one of its extremities on the intermediate portion of the upper semielliptic leaf spi-ine' lever 5 pivotally attached, by the cro bolt 6, to the outer extremity of the said spring; and a pair of coupling members and il, which are engaged at one end by the cross bolts 10 and 11 in the lever element 5 and which are pivotally mounted at their opposite extremities on the bracket 12 that is clipped to the lower semi-elliptic spring by means of the cross bolt 14 and the stirrup bolt 15. rIhe coupling 'l' consists of a pair of interdigitate links, Neb-16, that are pivotally connected to each other at their adjacent ends and are coupled at their cuter extremities to the cross bolt 10 (in the lever and The coupling member 8 consists of a single link that is mounted at one end on the pivot bolt 18 in the bracket 12; and is provided at its opposite extremity with a slot 19 that engages with the cross bolt 11. A strap or brace bar 2O is interposed bctw-en the stirrup bolt 15 and the axle block 1 for the purpose of reinforcing the action of the bracket 12 in stifening the lower left hand side of the main spring 2.

The functional action of the above described mechanism is as follows: l."Jhen the system is subjected to a kinetic compressive stress-which tends to move the body and axle parts, 3 and 1, toward each. other-the distance between the pivot bolts G and 14 is decreased, and the lever 5 is rocked, in a counterclockwise direction, on the cross bolt 11; thereby compressing the supplemental spring 4t against its seat on the upper portion of the main spring This action continues until the lower edges of the lever arms 5 abut aga-inst the adjacent side edges of the bracket 12-as shown in Fig. 2-thereby arresting further angular movement of the Tlhen the parts return to normal load position these links are straightened out; and the relative adjustment of the coupling elements 7 and 8 is such that both of the. said elements are under some strain-the one of tension and the other of compression-when the spring system is in static equilibrium. v"When the body and axle members rebound 'or expand beyond this position the separation of the spring-eye bolts 6 and 14 rocks lever element 5, on the link bolt 10 as a lcr n, and thus again compresses the sup- )emental spring e in the same direction in rlich was flexed by the closing, or apiroach, of the spring suspended parts. This action continues until the members have ached the position shown in Fig. 3, where f angular movement of the lever 5 is -heciied by the engagement of the coupling 11 with the outer end of the slot 19; and

n.' this occurs further separation of the body and axle members is restricted solely by the reverse fiexure of the main spring elements 2.

In order to avoid any clogging of the slot with dust or dirt, the side bars of the lever 5 are made of such width as to completely (over the said slot in all positions of lever movement, and a pair of leather or libre washes 21 may also be interposed between the sides of the link bar 8 and the adjacent faces of the lever arms 5, as an additional protection against undue wear of the moving parts. lt is also desirable to provide grease cups or other suitable means for lubricating the various pivot joints of the lever-spring-suspension organization; but the use of such means is so common and so well understood that I have not deemed it necessary to complicate the drawings by any specific illustrations of such device.

The various operative members of the contrnetion shown in Figs. 1 to are so des' ed and arranged relatively to each other that the lever elen'ient 5 is rocked through the maximum angle cL-Z) (see Figs. 1 and in the closing or compression movement of the system; land similarly rocked through a in vlum angle, a-c (see Figs. 1 and 3) in the rebound or expansion movement theref two rocking movements compress mental spring el, to almost the ree; but the distances between the connection G and the two respective fulcrum points 10 and 11 are so proportioned that the angular movement a-c is produced by a considerably smaller amount of reboundor expansion beyond the normal load position (of Fig. 1)-than is necessary to effect the angular movenient, a-b, by the kinetic compression of the suspension system. rl"he elastic resistance of the secondary spring,` to a given rebound movement is therefore proportionally greater than is the similar resistance to the same amount of compressive movement; but it Will be understood that the ratio between these resistances can be varied as desired by alterations in the distances (5-10, and (iS-ll. Such alterations can be readily provided for by adjustably mounting' the ends of the pivot bolt 6, in slots (or in an equivalent series of spacer holes) 22 in the side arms of the lever 5, or in any other suitable manner. rl`he slight shifting of the lever element with respect to the ends of the spring elements 2 and l Will not interfere with the proper vaft-ion of this resilient suspension system.

ln the embodiment of my invention which is illustrated in Figs. el and 5 the Semielliptic main spring 2 is coupled at its inner end to the vehicle body by the usual fined pivot bolt support, and is bolted at its center to the axle bracket l. A lever 521, of similar construction to that shown in 1l to 3, is pivotally connected, at an intermediate point of its length, with the outer end of the main spring by means of a cross bolt 6a, the ends of which are clamped in any desired position in the slots 22@ of the lever arms. nu extension bracket 12a is bolted to the scroll iron 23 of the body member 3; and is provided with a cross belt 17a and a bearing boss 18il which carries a guide pin bolt 23. The lever is likewise provided Witlrtwo cross bolts l0a and il, which are operatively connected to the elements li and liln'MQ-l, by means of the couplings 7 and Sn. ln this construction the coupling i consists of a flexible strap of leather or thin sheet metal, or other suitable material, which is Vconnected at ends to the opposing pivot bolts l0d and l?. The coupling member ila consists of a solid link pivoted at its lower end on the cross bolt l1 and provided at its other eXt-ren'iity with a central CouvenY face, that engages With the bearing boss 18a, and also with the two slotted side arms 24, that engage With the ends of the guide pin bolt 25). 'lhe inner end of lever 5 engages With the smaller end of a volute suppleniental spring 4 that is supported on an intermediate portion of the main spring 2.

rlhe primary functional action of this second illustrative embodiment of iny improvements is substantially the same as that of the organization first described. When the parts are subjected to a kinetic compressive stress the outer end of the main spring and the bracket member l2, are forced toward each other; and the lever 5a is rocked downwardly by the action of the compression couplinrr S, thereby compressing' the su'ipieinentii spring` a against its support on the main spring 2. This action continues until the lower side of the bracket 12a comes in contact with the upper edges ci" the side arms of the lever 50e-as shown in liig. 5 if reupon the angular movement of the lever is arrested, and further approach of the body and axle members is resisted by the direct downward tlenure of the main spring, and also by the reactive pressure of the sup-- plemental spring against the axle connecti-'iin with the central portion of the main spring.

llthen the parts return to normal load position (see Fig. el), and rebound or expand beyond that position, the rocker face of the compression coupling il is disengaged from the bearing boss 18a; and the lever 5 is again rocked downvvardly-about the pivot connection l0 as fulcruin-by the act-ion of the tension coupling 7A. rThis reciprocal actuation of the lever-suppleinentals ningcombination continues until the guide pin bolt 28 engages with the upper ends of the slots in the arms 2l of the coupling member 8a; after which the bracket 12a and the spring eye bolt tr* are locked against further separation, and th"l continuation of the opening` nioi'enient is r isted by the reverselnznding or 'liefrure of the main spring. but in this case the pressure of the secondary resilient element el, on the outer edge of its support against the primary spring 2, also tends to res the reverse bending' of the said primary sQaLieniuon member, and thereby cooperates with the latter in checkingl rebound even after the angular movement ol the lever and the direct compression of the supple mental spring` has been arrested as just dcscribed.

lt will be observed that the arrangement of the principal parts of the organization shown in Figs. 5-t$, presents aninversion, or structural reversal, of that depicted in Figil l to ln the last described arrangement-- in which the. lever 5 is pivotally connected at the intermediate point 6 with a part of the axle assen'iblage 1 2, (instead of with the body assemblage of Fig. l)` and the lever is, consequently, rocked downwardly instead of upwardly-the rea 'tion pressure of the tiered supplemental spring l;n against its axle support tends to keep the Wheels pressed against the `aiouml when the body member E rebounds above normal load position. This is a feature of cori lerable advantage in tending to prevent skidding, and consequent l es of steeringl control, when the vehicle is runningl over rough roads. ln this respect the organization of lqigs. and 5 is to be preferred to that shown, Figs. l to 3. On the other hand, the first described organization is particularly effective in resisting and stabilizing` the body movelOO llO

ments of the vehicle when the axle and wheels suddenly drop away from the tonneau members-into deep holes or ruts in the road surfacebecause under such circumstances the thrust or reaction pressure on the supplemental spring is dir'ected upwardly, and tends to resist any downward movement of the body. The question as to which arrangements is most useful is one that depends upon relative load and road conditions. Both of the suspension systems that have been considered, present the common characteristics of utilizing` the direct one way action of a lever-actuated-supplemental spring combination to primarily resist either compression or expansion movements of the system; and of also utilizing' the reaction strain or pressure thus produced in the supplemental spring to resist a continued movement of the said system after the leversupplemental spring members have been locked against further direct kinetic action. And they also present, in common, the additional characteristics of permitting the attainment of any desired ratio between the elastic compression resistances presented by the same supplemental springto relative closing and opening` movements, of the body and axle members; and of supplementing` and complementing` those resistances to the said relative movements by either the successive or the concurrent iexural actions of a main leaf spring, that is alternately and reciprocally strained or bent in opposite direct-ions.

n the illustrative organization shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the main spring suspension comprises a semielliptic leaf spring 2 (pivotally connected at its inner end to the body 3 and bolted at its center to the axle bracket l) and a stift' quarter elliptic scroll spring fl", which is bolted in the usual manner to the. body member 3, and is connected to the outer end of the main spring 2 through the instrumentality of my present invention. In this embodiment of my improvements the actuating lever member 5l is pivoted at an intermediate point in its length on the cross bolt 6b, that passes through the outer eye of the axle supported spring i2 and is clamped at any desired position in the slots 22 on the lever arms 5b. The two cross bolt pivots b and lib-which serve as the two alternately operative fulcr'um supports for the lever element-are connected to different portions of the body scroll spring member 3" by means of the couplings 7b and 8, which, in this case, both consist of a pair of interdigitate link elements pivoted together at their adjacent ends. rlhe outer coupling 7 serves to connect the fulcrum support 10b with a pivot bolt 17h that is supported on the stirrup clip while the inner coupling 81 serves to connect the fulcrum bolt llb with a pivot support 18b that is carried by a stiifening bracket 12b, on the end of the scroll spring 3b. The bracket support 12b is also provided with a second pivot connection 26, which carries the outer ends of an l-l shaped rocking guide or radius ar'm 27; and the inner extremities of this guide member are pivot-ally connected with the clamping heads, or nuts, at each end of the cross bolt 6l. This radius arm connector is provided for the purpose of maintaining the proper alignment of the main spring members 2 and 3b, and checking` either' a side sway, or a longitudinal pitching of the adjacent ends of those members with respect to each other.

The inner ends of the lever arms 5l are pivotally connected to a head 28 that is deeply recessed on its under side to receive the upper extremities of a pair of supplemental helical springs l 1lb; and these springs are supported at their lower ends on another recessed head, that is carried, in part by the axle bracket l, and in part by the adjacent portion of the main sprino Another pair of auxiliary tension springs Q9 are connected, onel on each side., to the body clip 30 of the scroll spring 3b, and are attached at their' lower extremities to the inner ends of the lever arms 5b.

Then the organization of Fig. G is subjected to a kinetic compression stress, which tends to move the axle and body members, 1 and 3, towards each other, the pivot bolts 6b and 18h are separated, and the pull of the tension coupling 8, brings the various connective elements 5, 7b, 8b, 10b and l1b into the full line positions shown in the diagram of Fig. 7 5 thereby rocking the actuating lever b downwardly through the arc a--b of Fig. l-about the fulcrum support lllwand simultaneously applying compressive and tension stresses respectively to the supplemental and auxiliary springs 4b and 29. This rocking movement of the lever 5" continues until-the accompanying movement of the H shaped guide lever 27 brings the central cross bar thereof into contact with the stop 31 on the bracket 12b, and thereby preventsl further separation of the pivot. bolts 6b and 18h; after which a continued closing movement of the axle and body members is resisted by the positive or compressive fiexure of the main spring elements 2 and 3b and by the reactive resistance of the supplemental springs 1lb against the axle connection l.

When the parts of the last described suspension system rebound, or separate beyond the normal load position shown in Fig 6, the pivot bolts G" and 18h approach each other, and the tension coupling 7b now acts to again rock the lever 5l downwardlythis time about the pivot bolt 10b as a fulcrum thereby flexing the supplemental and the auxiliary springs 4l and 29 in the same di- .s ell rection as before. This reciprocal actuation actuating' mechanism illustrated in Fig. 6 of the lever-supplemental-spring combina-isi, in some respects, to be preferred, to that tion (by the expansion of the system) brings the parts 5b, 6b, 7, 8b, 10b and lll into the dotted line positions shown in the diagram of Fia. 7 g in which pdsition the cross bar ot the H shaped guide has become engaged with the lower stop 32 on `the bracket l2h and the yo connections 6b and lh are thus locked against 'turther movement towards eac-h other. continuation ol the movement oi' the spring supported parts-beyond that last indicated-will nov.' be resisted by the negative or reverse bending ot the main spring elements 2 and 3b and the upward throw ot the body 8 will be further restrained by the reactive pull ot the tension springs 29 on the clip connection 30.

The organization shown in Fig. 6 presents, therefore, the same generic 'features oit construction and functional action as are characteristic of the two rst described embodiments of my invention. it also presents the specific feature of supplemental spring reaction ettect that is exemplilied by my d construction. ln addition to this it further illustrates the utilization oi an auxiliary spring which not only coopcrates with the supplemental spring to elastically resist both closing and opening movements ot the entire system, but also has a specific reaction eilect in checking upward movements of the body beyond the point at which the actuatingf lever is locked against further kinetic action. t will be observed. that the use ot this duel set oit secondary springs-Which are operatively connected to both the axle and the body members-pre sents a construction in which the pressures on the spring,l supports (e. g. l-Q and Tv-30) are alternately opposed to the relative direction ont.' their displacements from normal load position-i. e. the pressure on the axle seat ot the elastic unit lb is directed against the relative approach ot the axle and body members, While the pull on the body support 30 for the spring unit 29 is opposed to the relative rebound of' the body and axle parts-and the combined action ot both silirinpgs in thus' resisting opposing' movements ot the elas'tically connected vehicle members, depends on the proportionate strength, and the initial or normal load :Hei-iure, ot these secondary suspension elements. These factors of supplemental spring; i'i-isistance can ot course be varied to any extent desired: that is to say the springs l" nay be made very Vflexible and the springs 29 very still; or vice versa: or both units ,o iven substantially the saine elastic i. ance, in which lest case the downward thrust on the airle block assemblage will be balanced, by the downward pull on the body assemblage, in all phases ot the operation. llroin an operative standpoint the lever v be shown in Figs'. l to 5, because it presents no open or sliding joints; but this advantage is counterbalanced to some extent by its having' a somewhat increased number of parts.`

The orgai'iiZationf-x illustrated in Figs. 1 to G may all be utilized, it desired, as cross leat spring' suspensions; in which case each end oit the main resilient element Will be preferably connected to the opposing vehicle member by means of one of my improved lever-actuated-supplemental spring combinations. lligs. 8, 9, l0, ll, 12 and l5 show other applications of my improvements to the usual Form ot cross leal1 main spring' support tor the Jfront axle ot a Ford car; and lin' lil illustrates another embodiment of iy invention as it may be used in conjuncon with the main cross leaf spring suspentor the rear driving;l axle ot such a car.

ln the construction shown in Figs. 8, 9 and O the actuating' lever element 5c is pivotally 4upported at au intermediate point of its enejth on the axle perch lC and is provided,

b tore. with two cross bolt connections l0c 'IL 1 as a il@ that are flexibly joined, by the cou- 7C and 8C, to two separated points on ain spring' 2. The coupling element 7 i. tts ot a flexible strap or band the upper end or" which is connected to a cross bolt lf that is carried by the main spring body clip 25C; and the coupling' element 8 consiste 01": a pair ot inter-digitate links (like previously described part ot the conthose structions shown in Figs. l and 6) the lower extremity ot which is pivoted at 18c to the eye or outer extremity of the main spring. The inner extremities of the side arms of the lever 5C are brought together and iiexibly connected to a boss on the central rib of tl e double head 34; (see Fig. 9); and the said head is deeply recessed on its upper side to receive the lower ends ot a pair of supplemental helical springs le 4C, that are arranged one on each side ot the axle member L and are supported at their upper ends on the body connections with the main spring 2.

The operation ot the suspension system last described is as follows: l.When the parts are subjected to compressive stress, the main sprin .j and axle members move toward each othern and the resultant pull of the coupling elf nent 8 on the outer extremity ot the lever 5C i )clrs the latter upwardy, on its axle perch connection. and thereby compresses the supplemental springs le against the body support This kinetic actuation of the leversiippleinental-spring combination continues until Vthe lev has rocked through the arc rif-7 (see Figi'. 8) and the end of the main smilien has come into contact With a. roller Jhat is mounted between the side arms of the axle perch support 1c (see Fig. 10) but ris after this engagement occurs any further compression ot' the suspension system is resisted and restrained by tbe direct bending or fleXure ot the main spring, assisted by the reaction ot the locked lever-supplementalspring` elements against the body support 3. lhen the parts return to normal load position (Fig. 8) both of the couplings 8C and 7 are under tension (by reason or" the initial tension applied to the supplemental spring L1); and when there is any rebound or expansion beyond this position the upward movement of the main spring-or the relative downward movement ot the axle members 1 and lc-exerts a pull on the strap connection 7c which again rocks the lever 5 upwardly, and therelnY compresses the supplemental springs in the same direction as before. `When this action has brought the end ot the main spring into contact with the cross roller 3G, the angular movement of the lever is arrested, and any further separation ot the body and axle members checked by the negative or reverse tlexure of the main spring alone.

In the specific arrangement of parts illustrated in Figs. 8 and 10 the ratio between the angular' movements of the lever element- (and the consequent compresi-fion o't the supplemental springs 40)-that are produced by a given compressive and expansion movement ot the springconnected parts, is substantially unitary; but this relation can be readily varied by clamping the ends of the pivot bolt connection with the aide perch 1C, at diilerent points in the slots 22C o't the side arms of the lever 5. ln order to permit this shittingl ot the lever support without disturbing the alignment of the axes olf the supplemental springs Il with the inner end of the lever, the latter is preferably coupled with the boss 33 by means of a pin and slot connection, or by means of short shackle links or in an)v other suitable manner. lWhen volute or conical supplemental springs, or a pair ot tandem supplemental springs, are used (as shown in Figs. 1, l and 6) a small longitudinal shitting ot the pointot attachment between the lever and the said springs does not interfere with the proper action of the combination; but where the supplemental springs are ot the straight helical form and are arranged as shown in Fig. 8 it is desirable Ato avoid any application of stress to one side of the common axial plane ot the two springs 4, as that might tend to overturn them on their base supports 34.

In the construction shown in Figs. 11. 12 and 13 the intermediate part of the lever 5 is pivoted on the cross bolt Gd that passes through the terminal eye ot the main spring 2 (which is rigidly mounted on and 'forms a part ot the body assemblage); and 'the cross bolts 10d and 11d of this lever element are respectively connected to the axle member 1 by means of the llexible straps 7d 7d (which are attached to the axle by the the bolt 17d see Fig. 13) and by means oi the tlexible spring coupling 35. This last n'icntioned element consists of a spiral scroll spring which is bolted at its lower end to the axle 1 and which is so formed as to yield readily in an upward direction, and also in a direction parallel to the lever and main spring members; but which is relatively rigid against any downward movement or" the bolt connection 11b. The inner ends ot the side arms of the lever 5d are riveted or otherwise secured to a head which enwith the upper smaller end ot the volute supplemental spring Ll which is suitably supported on the axle member 1.

lwhen `the parts o'tf the last descrilufd suspension system are subjected to a kinetic compression stress, the lever 5l is rocked down vardly--about the pivot bolt connection 11d as a tulcrum-by the relative approach of the axle and the main spring connection 6d; and the volute supplemental spring is correspondingly compressed against its lower seat on the axle 1. This movement may continue until the lower edge of the spacer block 36 (between the lerer arms 5d) engages with the upper face of the axle clip 1d; after which the further continued approach ot' the body and axle members is resisted by the direct, or compressive tlexure ot the main spring 2, and by the reactive static pressure o't the supplemental spring Lld against its axle sunportA dl hen the parts return to normal load position (F ig. 11), and then rebound or expand above or beyond that position. the flexible straps, 7d are put under tension; and the separation ot the axle and main spring connections 1d and 6d, again rocks the lever 5d dowmvardly about the pivot bolt 10" as a lulcrum; the lever connection 1ld being permitted to rise freely by the uncoiling ot the outer leaf ot the scroll spring coupling fl--as shown in lil. ln 'this case there is no checlr imposed on this second angular movement ot the lever except that produced by the gradually increasing resistance of the spring coupling 35 to the upward rise of the pivot bolt 11d. But as this resilient coupling restra'nt increases the rocking movement or the lever on the 't'ulcrum support lll-a-nd the corresponding compression olE the supple-mental spring ,Ldis gradually checked; and the ultimate damping ot exce sive rebound or expansion movements is e ed by reverse bodily tlexture of the main spring 2, assisted by a corresponding upward and inward tlext-ure ot' the scrol sin-ing 35, The relation between the relative movements of thel main spring, in the i on and expansion actions of the i, and the corresponding angular and lic/tural movements of the lever and supplemental spring elements may be varied; as before explained, by shifting the position of the pivot bolt (3 in the slots :22d of the lever arms 5d. lf the change in position is considerable it may necessitate shifting the spring coupling in its axle clip support l; and this is easily etfected by loosening the clamp bolt 39 which holds the outer end of the said clip in place.

The suspension system shown in .F 14rpresents a levcr-actuated-dual-spring-combination, analogous to that shown in Fig. 6 supra, in which both of the supplemental resilient elements Ll@ and LO are of the same character as the main spring 2; i. e. they are all multiple leaf springs. The left hand side of this figure illustrates the parts in the normal load position (of static equilibrium); and the right hand portion illustrates the act-ion ot the parts under a kinetic compression stress. In this organization of the actuating lever element 5e co-nsists of a relatively short forging7 or casting, which is forked at its outer extremity to receive the ends of the axle perch support l@ and of the slotted tension link Se; and which is also provided with a pivot pin l0 that carries cointact roll 4l. The tension link 8 is coupled at its lower end to the extremity of the main spring 2 by means of the cross bolt 18e; and the parts are so adjusted that in normal load position the roll ll is in light pressure engagement with the upper side of the said main spring. The base of the multiple leaf supplemental spring le is bolted to the inner end of the lever 5", and the flexible end of this secondary resilient element is coupled to the central portion of the main spring body assemblage by means of a pair of shackle links 4Q and a clip 43. The inner end of the lever 5 is also coupled to the extremity of another suppiemental leaf spring 40, by means of another pair of shackle links 44; and the base of this second cuxiliary spring is supported on the top ot the differential gear case ll5 of the rear axle assemblage.

lVhen the body and axle portions of the organization shoivn at the left hand of Fig. Ll, are fo ced toward each other--as shown at the right hand of that illustration the lever element 5e is rocked upwardly, about its pivot support on the axle perch lo, by the downward pull of the main spring on the tension link 8e and the pivot pin bolt il@i This upward movement of the lever 5e imposes a positive, or compressive, bending strain on both of the supplemental leaf springs Ll@ and 41:0; and this action continues until the end of the resilient member comes into contact With the loiver side of the main spring 2 (as shown at the right of Fi lele). Then this engagement occurs the connegted lever-spring-elements are locked against further relative angular motion Wit-h respect to each other; and a continuation of the closing or approach movement, of the body and axle members, is resisted and re strained by the positive or compressive flex ure of the main spring 2 aided by the reactive pressures of the flexed supplemental springs a@ and Ll0, against the lower side of the said main spring. 'lhis lever-controlled triple spring combination therefore al'lords, not only a very sensitive and highly resilient support-for completely absorbing light compressive shocksbut also a very stilll reinforced suspension for resisting excessive load stresses and restraining and damping abnormal closing movements of the body and axle parts.

When the system of Fig. le is subjected to rebound of expansion stressesWhich tend to induce a separation, or expansion, of the spring supported members beyond the position of static equilibrium-the extremity of the main leaf springr 2 and the end of the axle perch support le are moved toward each other; and the pressure engagement between the main spring and the roll Lll rocks the lever upwardly (or in the same direction in which it is moved under compressive stress on the parts), and again imposes a positive or compressive tleimre on the supplemental leaf spring elements 4 and 40. This angular motion of the lever-supplemental-springelements is checked when the upper side of the main spring 2 comes into engagement with the rigid end of the axle perch support le; and after this occurs further expansion movement of the system is restrained and damped by the reverse or negative ileXure of the primary spring alone. ln the particular positioning of the parts shown in Fig. le the distance of the roll support 10C from the a ille perch pivot, is less than the distance of the coupling bolt il@ from that pivot; and the angular movement communicated to the lever by the expansion of the system is correspondingly greater than the movement imparted to that member by the same degree or amount of compression or closing of the body and axle parts. The relation between the comparative actions of the secondary and the primary spring elements, in respectively resisting and absorbing compressive and rebound movements, may be varied by clamping the ends of the axle perch pivot pin at diiierent points in the lever slots 22e; or by providing the pin 10e with similar means for longitudinal adjustinent of the lever. i

The organization slioivn in Figs. l5 and 1G is, in some respects; very similar to that shown in Fig. lei. in this illustrative embodiment of my improvements the solid lever member 5f is pivotally supported between the side forlts of the stirrup shaped aule perch if; and is operatively engaged with the main spring 2 by means of the eye bolt 8f and the lim bearing lug Tf. he inner end of the lever is also connected with the main spring by the supplemental tension springs if that are attached at their lower ends to the clips and 4:6.

lVhen the body and axle parts of this construction are forced toward each other, and lever 5f is rocked upwardly (along` the are (5 0), by the pull of the eye bolt coupling 8f on the outer extremity of the lever element; and the supplemental springs ai are thereby subjected to a progressively increasing tension, which reacts on the under side of the main spring 2 and thus stilfens the latter against compressive tlexurc. lli/Then the outer extremity of the primary suspension element comes in contact with the stop roll Sf-as shown in Fig. itl-the rocking movement of the lever 5f is arrested, and further approach of the axle and body members l and 3 is resisted and ultimately cheeked by the positive or compressive flexure of the main spring 2, assisted by the react-ive tension of the supplemental springs af. On reverse movements of the system (above the position of static equilibrium shown in Fig.- l5) the lever 5f is rocked upwardly by the pressure engagement of thebearing lug Tf against the` upper side ofthe main spring 2; and the secondary resilient elements 4f are again flexed in the same direction as before. rlhis action continues until the end of the main spring comes into contact with the under side of the lever 5f; and after this occurs the further expansion of the spring connected parts is restrained and damped by the negative or reverse flexure of the primary resilient member 2.

ln the last described organization the relation between the tension strains imposed on the supplemental springs 4f, by closing and opening movements of the system, is varied by providing the lever 5f with a series of closely adjacent holes 22f (see Fig. 16) any one of which may be engaged, as desired, by the pivot bolt at the upper end of the forked axle perch 1f. The longitudinal shifting of the lever on its axle perch support-by the engagement of the axle perch pivot bolt in different holes in the lever-does not disturb the operative engagement of the coupling elements, Tf and 8f, and of the supplemental spring elements Llf, with the main spring member 2; but does alter the degree of angular movement imparted to the member 5f by a given linear movement of the main spring (andbody) either toward or away from the running gear parts.

ln the utilization of my improvements it is generally desirable to provide means for taking up wear in the coupling connections 7 (to 71") and 8 (to 8f); and also for varying the initial tension o-f the supplemental spring elements 4 (to 4f). In the last described embodiment of my invention this adjustment is conveniently effected by the use of a nut 47, on the upper end of the eye bolt link 8f, to alter the effective operating length of that coupling, and t-hereby simultaneously vary the pressure engagement, and the angular relationship, between the lever parts and the main spring connections therewith. In the other illustrative exemplifications of my improvements these same adjustments may be provided for by making any one, or more, of the pivot bolt connections, between the actuating lever and the other cooperating elements of the combination, of the form shown in Figs. 13 and 17; where the pivot bolt l0 (for example) is formed with eccentric end portions 48. By rotating this pin on its eccentric end bearings, and clamping it in the desired position, by means of the nuts 49, 49, any wear or looseness in the coupling connections may be readily taken up; and the initial strain or llexure in the supplemental spring elements-in the position of static equilibrium-may likewise be adjusted, or altered, to meet varying load and running conditions.

It will be observed that all of the organizations hereinbefore described, as illustrative of varying applications of my invention to different forms and types of main springsuspension systems, are characterized by the same generic features of functional action; and that such variations in operation as have been heretofore noted relate only to the specitic character of the reaction stresses and strains that may be imposed on the cooperating` main and supplemental spring elements by the attachment of the latter to different portions of the structural combination. From a functional standpoint the distinguishing feature of my improvements may be generally designated as a dual-actiondouble-fulcrum lever control of a multiple spring suspension system; in which one of the resilient elements is always positively fiexed in the same direction whenever the body and axle members move in either direction (relative to each other) from the position of static equilibrium; in which this one way progressive fiexure of the said element is arrested when the linear approach or separation of the chassis members has exceeded certain predetermined limits; and in which further motion of the said members beyond the said limits, is resisted by reciprocal or reversed flexures of another spring and also by the reactive stress of the previously flexed element of the organization. F rom a structural standpoint each of the combinations hereinbefore illustrated and described comprise a lever element operatively connected at one end to a supplemental spring resistance and provided at its other extremity with three adjacent points of pivotal, or flexible, engagement with two relatively movable members; the said engagements belio ing of such character as to alternately shift the point of lulcrum support for the lever to opposite sides of the point of application of the powers-thereby converting the lever element from one ot the first order to one of the third order, or vice versawhen the direction of the applied stress is reversed. This result is secured, structurally, by connectiug the lever element, at an intermediate point in its length, to one oi? the relatively movable parts of the vehicle chassis-i. e. to either the body assemblage (as in Figs. l, and l1) or to the axle assemblage (as in Figs. 4, 6, 8, 14 and 15)and flexibly coupling two other points of the said lever (on opposite sides oi' the first mentioned point of connection) to the other relatively movable portion oll the chassis ;--viz, to the axle assemblages of Figs. l and ll and to the body assemblage of Figs. 4, 6, 8, 14 and l5. Each of these combinations is further characterized by the use ot two single acting or one way coupling elements which are normally in op rative engagement with both points of their connection with the convertible lever member, but which are operatively engaged and disengaged, in reverse order, as the spring suspension system is reversely stressed and the parts thereof are correspondingly displaced from the position ot normal static equilibrium. f

All ot the hereinbeiore described embodiments of my improvements are provided with means whereby the relative lengths ot the two arms of the convertible lever member may be readily varied, to alter the ratio between the movements of the supplemental spring resist-ances and the moments oit the reversely applied lever actuating forces; and all ot' the said exemplary embodiments also illustrate means for adjusting the initial engagement pressures or strains on the lever and the supplemental spring` elements; whereby all looseness, or wear, between the operating parts may be taken up, and whereby the sensitiveness ol response of the lever-supplemental-spring combination, to light shocks and small oscillatory nievements, may also be altered to meet varying load and road conditions. These last described characteristics ot my invention are useiful but not indispensible features ot my present improvements.

The variation in the relative positioning the supplemental spring and lever inem-- bers, with respect to the body and axle parts o1t` the vehicle (as illustrated in the various combinations hereinbetore described) result in certain detail differences in the cooperative action ot the main and supplemental spring suspension elements, and in the degree ot reactive or secondary restraint iinpcsed on either the closing or the expansion movements of the spring connected parts. These variations in the structural arrangement, and in the specific functional periormance, oi" the generic elements ot my invention present certain features oi' secondary importance, which may or may not be utilised in conjunction with the primary imisnovements herein described and claimed. lint with the `thregoing disclosure as a guide those skilled in the art will be enabled to maire surh variations in structural design may be required to best utilize my improven'ients in specific cases. I do not theretore desire to limit myselt to the use ot' any particular iorm oi structurem or any specific details ot mechanical organization; and what l claim is:

l. n elastic shock absorber organization for two relatively movable members which coinjrises a lever-actuated spring and a double fulcrum mounting for the lever arranged in such a manner that the lever and the spring are both actuated in the same direction by either Kon'ipressive or rebound shock ln a shock absorber suspension for two elatively movable members the combination ot a spring; a lever operatively engaged with the said spring; and a double `tulcrum connection between said lever and the relatively movable members.

3. ln a spring suspension system for vehicles the combination ot a spring; a lever operatively engaged with one end of the spring; and a double ulcruin mounting for the said lever arranged in such al manner that the latter is moved in the same direction whenever the vehicle parts move in either direction from the position of static equilibrium.

4. A spring suspension system tor vehicles which eoiiorises a spring; an actuating lever operatively engaged with one extremity oli the said spring; and a dual-action-doubletulcrum system oll connections interposed between the said lever and the relatively movable parts of the vehicle, arranged in such a manner that the lever andthe spring are concurrently actuated in the same direction when the system is either con'ipressed or expanded from and beyond normal load position.

5. In a shock absorber organiaztion for two relatively movable members the conibination el a lever; a supplemental spring operatively engaged with one end of the said lever; and a double 'fulcrum connection interposed between the other end et the lever and the relatively movable members, arranged in such a manner that lthe lever is rocked, and the spring is flexed, in the same direction whenever the said members are relatively displaced in either direction from their position ot static equilibrium.

6. ln a shock absorber organizationM Ytor two relatively movable members the combi` nation o1" a spring engaged at one extremity with one of the said members; and a lever engaging `with the other extremity of the said spring and provided with three points of pivotal connections, one ot which is carried vby `one of the relatively movable members, and the other two of which are coupled to the other ot the said members.

7. In a spring suspension system tor two relatively movable members, the combination ot a spring engaged at one end with one of the said members; a lever operatively connected with the said spring; a lever support carried by one of the relatively movable members and attached to the lever at a point intermediate its ends; fand a pair of singleacting or one way'couplings that connect the other of thesaid relatively movable members with the lever land serve to alter-- nately actuate the latter by successive compression and expansion movements of the system.

8. An elastic shock absorber organization for a vehicle chassis which comprises a spring supported at one extremity by one of the relatively movable chassis parts; a lever operatively engaged with the opposite extremity of the said spring; a pivot support engaging with the lever ata point intermediate its ends; and a pair ot single acting, or one way, coupling elements engaging with the lever on opposite sides ot the said pivot support, and adapted to alternately actuate the lever and the supplemental spring by compression "and rebound movements ot the chassis parts trom their normal load position.

9. A spring suspension system tor two relatively movable parts which comprises a'spring supported by one ot the said parts; a lever operatively engaged with the said spring; and a di1al-acting-double tulcrum control-n'iechanism lor operatively connecting the said lever with both of the said movable parts and for actuating it in the same direction, whenever the said parts are relatively displaced in either direction trom the position oi" static equilibrium.

l0. In a shock absorber organization for vehicles vthe combination of a spring attached at one extremity to one ot the vehicle members; a lever operatively engaged with the other extremity or the said spring; a double tulcrum support for the said lever; and means for alternately applying reversed stresses to the lever on opposite sides ci" its fulcrum support and thereby rocking the lever and lieXing the spring in the same direction by either compressive or expansion shocks.

11. ln a spring` suspension system tor two relatively movable members, the combination of a spring resistance; a rocking member operatively engaged therewith; and a pair of single acting coupling elements for successively engaging the rocking member and thereby converting the said on opposite sides of its tulcrum support member from a lever of the first class to a lever ot the third class when the relatively movable members are stressed inopposite directions.

l2. In a shock absorber organization iior two relatively movable parts, the combinati on of a spring supported by one ot the said parts; a rocking member engaged at one of its extremities with the said spring; and :a trio ot operative connections arranged in such a manner-'between the saidmember-and the said movable parts as to alternately convert the character ot the rockingrmember from one class to another 'when the said vparts move relatively in opposite directions.

13. A spring suspension system tor vehicles which comprises an elastic resistance element; 'a lever connected atfone end with the said element and providediat'the other end witha set ot three pivotal connections; and means ttor operatively engaging alternate pairs o'tthese connections -withfthe relatively movable members ot 'the vehicle when the latter are relatively displaced lin lopposite directions from the normal load position.

14. ln a spring suspension system -or two relatively movable-members the combination of an elastic resistance element; -lanlactua'ting lever element engaged therewith; a pair ot one way coupling elements torioperatively connecting the lever tothe said `movable members; and means lfor adjusting the relative lengths ot the resistance Iarm and the power arm ot the said lever and thereby varying the moment of the elastic resistance to any distortion or displacement ot the spring support-ed parts.

15. A shock absorber organization which comprises the combination o'i two relatively movable members; a double-action-levercontrolled-spring resistance; means for Yoperatively connecting the actuating flever thereof to the relatively movable members; and means for varying the ratio between the resistance arms and the power arms oi' the said lever and thereby varying the moment of the spring resistance to both approach and separation movements oi the said members.

1G. A shock absorber organization for vehicles which comprises aspring; a rocking member for actuating said spring; means for operatively connecting said member with the relatively movable vehicle parts and alternately converting it from a lever of the first class to a lever of the third class; `and means for varying the respective lengths et the resistance arms and the power arms of said lever.

17. An elastic suspension system t'or two relatively movable members which comprises the combination et fa double acting spring l Hl \ springs for damping the movements of the said members in either direction from the position of static equilibrium; with means for simultaneously varying the effective elastic resistance to both of the said movements without altering the initial tension ot the said spring.

18. An elastic suspension organization tor two relatively movable vehicle members which comprises a double-acting-lever-actuated spring system for resisting both the approach and the separation oi' the said members; with means for altering the effective resistances of the said system to both directions of movement; and other means for independently altering the initial tension on the said system when the parts are in the position of static equilibrium.

19. An elastic suspension system for two relatively movable members which comprises a spring; an actuating lever therefor; a pair of single acting or one way coupling connections for operatively engaging the lever at dierent points; and means for adjusting the effective length of said couplings to take up Wear therein.

20. An elastic suspension system for vehicles which comprises a spring; a lever operatively engaged therewith; a trio of pivotal connections between the lever and the relatively movable vehicle parts; and means for altering the distances between the centers of engagement of these pivotal connections and thereby varying the spring resist-ance to a movement of the vehicle parts in either direction from normal load position.

21. In a spring suspension system Jfor vehicles the combination ot a double acting elastic resistance; a rocking member operatively engaged therewith; a pair of one way coupling elements for alternately actuating the said rocking member when the system is respectively subjected to compression and expansion stresses; and means tor varying the relation between the angular movements of the said rocking member and the linear movements of the vehicle parts in either direction from normal load position.

22. In a shock absorber organization the combination of a plurality of elastic resistance elements; a rocking member for operatively engaging and cooperativelyconnecting said elements; and a pair of single acting couplings for connecting said member to one of the parts subjected to shock and tor alternately actuating it as a lever of the first class and as a lever of the third class.

23. In a shock absorber organization the combination of a plurality of suspension a dual-action-double-fulcrum lever for conjointly and cooperatively actuating said springs to absorb both compressive and rebound shocks; and means for altering the flexural resistance of the composite spring system to both the closing and the opening movements of the suspended parts.

24. A spring suspension system for vehicles which comprises a main spring; a supplemental spring coacting therewith to resist both the minor and the major movements of the suspended parts; a rocking member operatively engaged with springs; and a pair of single acting coupling connections Jfor alternately actuating said rocking member, as a lever ot the lirst class and a lever of the third class, when the spring suspended parts move in reverse directions from the position of static equilibrium.

25. A spring suspension system tor two relatively movable members which comprises a main leat spring; a supplemental spring supported at one end on one of the said members; a lever operatively engaged with the other end ot the said supplemental spring; a trio of pivotal connections between the lever the end ot the main spring and that part of the vehicle to which said main spring end is ordinarily attached; and means for successively utilizing alternate pairs of the said connections for actuating the lever, and flexing the supplemental spring in the same direction, by the motion of the said relatively movable members in reverse directions from normal load position.

26. In an elastic suspension system for vehicles the combination of a main spring; a supplemental spring cooperating therewith to resist minor movements of the spring suspended parts in either direction from the normal load position; and means for arrestingcthe tlexure oit the supplemental spring when the said parts have moved to a predetermined distance on either side of the normal load position.

27. An elastic suspension system for two relativelymovable members which comprises a main spring; a supplemental spring; a lever for cooperatively engaging both springs; means for rocking the lever, and flexing the supplemental spring, in the same direction when the said members move in either direction from the position ot static equilibrium; and means tor arresting the angular movement of the lever, and the attendant flexing of the supplemental spring, when the system has been either compressed or expanded to a predetermined extent.

28. An elastic suspension system tor vehicles which com arises a main spring, a supplemental spring supported at one extremity on an intermediate part of the main spring, a lever operatively engaged with the opposite extremity oi the supplemental spring; means i'or actuating the lever, and flexing the supplemental spring, in the same direc` tion by either a compressive or an expansion movement of the system; means for altering both Y llO the elleetive resistance of the said supplemental spring to the said movements; and means for arresting' the actuation ot the lever and the resultant `flexing otthesecondary resilient element when the spring suspended parts have been either closed or openedto a predetermined amount.

29. 1n an elastic suspension system for two relatively movable members the combination ol a main spring, a supplemental spring supported at one ot its extremities by one .ot' the said members; a lever cooperat-ively engaged with both springs; and mea-ns for actuating said lever by the relative movement of the two aforesaid members to incrementally flex the supplemental spring in a direction opposite to that in which 'the support therefor is moved when the said members approach each other and to similarly flex the said spring in the same direction as the said support moves when the said members are separated beyond the normal position of static equilibrium.

30. A spring suspension system for vehicleswhich comprises a main spring; a supplemental spring engaged at one extremity with the main spring; andmeans for moving and incrementally flexing the supplemental spring in a direction opposite to that in which the main spring is cooperatively moved when the system is compressed, and :tor similarly flexing the said spring in the same direction las that in which the main spring moves when the system is expanded beyond normal load position 3l. A spring suspension system 'for vehicles which comprises the combination of a main spring; a secondaryfspring; a rocking member for cooperatively engaging both of the said springs, a pair ot single acting coupling elements for connecting the said member to one ot the relatively movable vehicle parts and alternately actuatingit as a lever ot the first and a lever ot' the third class; and means for excluding dirt from the wearing surfaces ot the said coupling connections.

82. A spring suspension system lior Vehicles which comprises a main spring interposed between the body and axle members, a supplemental spring operatively supported on the body member, a second supplemental spring supported on the axle i'nember, a lever element concurrently engaging both ot' the said supplemental springs, and means conjoining said lever and said main spring and acting to flex one ot the supplemental springs in a direction opposed to the coincident relative movement ot its supporting member when the suspension system is compressed, and to likewise fiez-1 the other of said springs in a direction opposed to the corresponding relative movement olf' its support when the system rebounds or expands bevond normal load position,

33. An elast-ie `suspension system `for the relatively movable vchassis members -ot a vehicle which comprises -a mai-n spring; a supplemental spring supported on one ott-he said members; a second supplemental spring suported on the other member; a. rocking lever cooperativelyengaged withboth of the said springs; and means :tor actuating said lever in the same direction lby -the -relative movement of the said members in either direct-ion, and thereby imposing pressures on the secondary spring supports which -are alternately opposed in direction to thesa'id movements,

A shock absorber organiza-tion for two relatively movable members which comprises a. main spring rigidly attached to one member, a lever pivotally mounted on the other memberand flexibly coupled to the eXtremity ofthe said -main spring-ata point^ad`jacent to its pivotal mounting, a `lost motion connection between another part ot the lever and a part ot the said main -spring `intermediate `its ends, and a plurality of lsupplemental springs interposed between one end of the said lever and thefsaid relatively lovable members.

35. A11-elastic; suspension system for two relatively movable members Ywhich comprises a spring, a lever-pivotally mountedat an intermediate point orn its llength on one of the said members and operatively engaged with the saidspring, and a pair of flexibleA couplings conjoining the other ot' said members -with two points/on the lever on opposite sides of the said pivotal mounting.

36, In a shock absorber organization tor vehicles the combination ot-a spring, a lever pivot-ally mounted at an 'intermediate point in its length on a part ot' the aXle assemblage and operatively engaged vwith the said spring, and a pair ot'alternately active couplings conjoiningftwo other points in the lever with parts of the body assemblage, substantially as described.

37. An elastic suspension system for two relatively movable members which comprises a main spring rigidly mounted on one of said members, a lever pivotally supported on the other ot said members, a flexible coupling conjoining one part ot the said lever and the end ot the said main spring, a onel way connection between another part of the said lever and an intermediate portion of the said spring, and a supplement-al spring interposed between one end of the lever and another intermediate portion of the main spring.

In witness whereo,'I have hereunto set my hand at Indianapolis, Indiana, this 28th day or" January, AvD., one thousand nine hundred and twenty.

FRANK L. O. VADSWORTH. 

